Seventeen-Year-Old Shikara Boy Rows His Way to Gold for J&K at Khelo India

The unhurried rhythm of a shikara gliding through the famous Dal Lake is one of Kashmir’s oldest traditions. But on Thursday, 17-year-old Mohsin Ali, a Kashmiri boy from Srinagar, traded in the oars of his shikara for a kayak paddle and created history by winning Jammu and Kashmir’s first gold medal at the ongoing Khelo India Water Sports Festival. His victory in the 1000m kayaking competition has brought immense pride to J&K, marking a breakthrough moment in the region’s sporting history.

Mohsin, a Class 12 student at Srinagar’s SP Higher Secondary School, lives beside the Dal Lake in Kand Mohalla. After school, he takes tourists on shikara rides to earn some money that supports his diet — an essential aspect given the physical demands of competitive kayaking. He said, “I am so happy. I defeated kayakers who have competed in China and Europe. This is a big thing for me.” This gold medal win is a testament to his hard work and perseverance in the face of many challenges.

From Shikara to Kayak: A Journey of Determination

Mohsin Ali’s journey began at the age of seven when he approached coach Bilquis Mir to learn kayaking. Bilquis is a former international kayaker and an Olympic judge who has played a pivotal role in shaping Mohsin’s career. “Mohsin was only seven when he came to me to learn kayaking. He has come a long way since, striving to get better each day. I think this is just the beginning,” she said, expressing her belief in his potential to reach even greater heights.

Mohsin credits his father, Fida Hussain, a carpenter, for encouraging him to pursue sports despite the financial hardships. “My father tells me that kayaking is my ticket out of Dal to see the world,” Mohsin shared. His family’s support has been vital in his journey, giving him the motivation to push through the difficulties that come with limited resources and training facilities in Kashmir.

A Symbol of Aspiration for Kashmir’s Youth

Mohsin’s victory resonates deeply with many in Jammu and Kashmir, where sports infrastructure and opportunities often remain limited. His win is not merely about the medal, but about inspiring the youth in the region to dream bigger. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival, hosted in J&K for the second time after the Winter Games in Gulmarg, features events like rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and traditional shikara races, highlighting the unique connection of the region with water sports.

Despite the cheers and applause, Mohsin remains grounded and focused on the challenges ahead. “Only I know how difficult it has been just to be able to afford the diet a kayaker needs to compete in such events,” he reflected, pointing to the practical difficulties faced by athletes in his region. With his eyes set on bigger competitions, Mohsin hopes to leverage this historic gold to secure better training and resources.

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